Emergency Medical Dispatch: National Standard Curriculum Ready

NHTSA · 1996 · ROSA P / United States. Department of Transportation. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

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Summary

This document announces the release of the updated *Emergency Medical Dispatch: National Standard Curriculum* by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Maternal and Child Health Bureau. The update addresses the critical role of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) dispatchers, who serve as the first point of contact for medical emergencies. Dispatchers are responsible for mobilizing appropriate emergency resources, determining the necessary level of care based on clinical protocols, providing pre-arrival verbal instructions to victims or bystanders, and assessing scene safety. The need for standardized protocols became evident in the 1970s to ensure dispatchers could allocate help based on medically sound decisions. The revised curriculum incorporates voluntary practice standards developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the National Association of Emergency Medical Services Physicians (NAEMSP). It is designed to train qualified telecommunicators to perform emergency medical dispatcher functions without requiring prior certification as an emergency medical technician or First Responder. The curriculum consists of Instructor and Student Guides, along with a new Manager’s Guide. While the curriculum itself does not include specific dispatch protocols, it trains dispatchers to use any protocols reviewed and approved by a local EMD Medical Director. NHTSA provides at least four sets of protocols as "starter kits" for programs. The training course is designed to be completed in 24 hours, though pilot testing in Birmingham, Alabama, suggested that students preferred a longer duration; consequently, NHTSA recommends a minimum of 24 to 32 hours for instruction. The development process involved review by twelve State EMS Directors and other professionals to ensure the curriculum met the needs of diverse EMS systems. Physicians on the review panel focused on the responsibilities of the Dispatch Medical Director and the contents of the Emergency Medical Dispatch Protocol Reference System (EMDPRS), which covers 32 chief complaint types. This reference system serves as the basis for medical directors to approve local dispatch protocols and train new dispatchers. Additionally, a Management Supplement is included to assist communities establishing new EMD systems, covering topics such as medical direction, quality improvement, public education, and networking. The significance of this release lies in providing a uniform, nationally recognized standard for EMD training and program development. By making these materials available at low cost through the Government Printing Office, NHTSA aims to facilitate the adoption of medically approved protocols and proper dispatcher training across the United States. This standardization supports the implementation of effective EMD programs that enhance emergency response efficiency and patient outcomes.

Key finding

The updated Emergency Medical Dispatch National Standard Curriculum provides a standardized training framework for dispatchers, incorporating clinical protocols and management guidance to improve emergency response allocation and pre-arrival care.

Methodology

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